If Only They Knew

Sarahsaver

I have been doing this for ages, when i use detergent that is! I have some of the laundry balls whioch mean no detergent is required, or else i make gloop. A plumber told me to use half the amount because the washing powder clogs the pipes. The recommendations on the pack benefit only the detergent and the machine manufacturers. I also started using half a dishwasher tablet in the dishwasher, but the results are not so good.

frizz_head

Queenie wrote:

If anyone wishes to know if they live in a hard water area (or not, as the case may be) you can find basic info HERE

Blimey thats very nearly the whole country. I'm in Berkshire and we are well 'ard!!!

I got a new washing machine a few weeks ago, and already my soap drawer is all gunky from the Comfort. As soon as I get through this bottle I'm going to switch to vinegar and a few drops of essential oil as recommended on this board.

By the way, how nice do the new Bold Lavender and Cammomile tablets smell. Just done Mr Frizzs shirts and they are hanging off the curtain pole - they smell gorgeous - free sample off the freebies board.

Will also try to switch to just one tablet for my next wash and see how that goes.

MrsMW

To clean the soap drawer on my washing machine, I shove it in the dishwasher occasionally.

dorry_2

i have always just used half the quantity . i.e one tablet.

i do think if u use too much it does block pipes and bits!

i had my last washer (indesit) for 17 years and used it daliy, the only repair we ever had to do was the door rubber and plumber said that was just wear and tear!! so i defintly had my monies worth!!

i do think it's down to using half the amount powder !!

Bargain_Rzl

Queenie wrote:

If you live in a hard water area, you'll *know* ... the water leaves a limey scale on everything - eventually!

I'm in a hard water area and one of my main gripes is having to use expensive Calgon in every wash (to stop the limescale damaging the washing machine). I say "having to" because my housemate makes me, and he owns the washing machine. Oh well.

Is there an alternative product or natural substance that would have the same effect for less outlay? Housemate is pretty much as tight as I am, so might listen if I suggest a change...

I grew up in the north-east where the water is lovely and soft, and my mum still lives there. When I go to visit, I really notice how much softer my hair feels after I've washed it! You just don't realise what a difference there is in the softness of hair/clothes until you've tried washing them in different bits of the UK.

Queenie

Washing soda crystals - add a handful to your wash.

Curry_Queen

frizz_head wrote:

By the way, how nice do the new Bold Lavender and Cammomile tablets smell. Just done Mr Frizzs shirts and they are hanging off the curtain pole - they smell gorgeous - free sample off the freebies board.

That's the flavour of Bold that I bought too (having first sampled it off the freebies board) and it does smell lovely

I found it was cheaper to buy the big box powder than the tablets though, which will give me 90 washes instead of the recommended 45, as I only use half the quantity. I only wash 2-3 times a week so that should last me ages :T

Curry_Queen

Queenie wrote:

Washing soda crystals - add a handful to your wash.

Completely agree with you there Queenie and I always add some to the wash with my son's dirty football gear, as well as towels/sheets, and it brings them up lovely and clean

VickyA_2

Do you put the washing soda crystals in the drum or in the drawer? Sorry to ask a silly question.

Curry_Queen

VickyA wrote:

Do you put the washing soda crystals in the drum or in the drawer? Sorry to ask a silly question.

You could do either Vicky, depending on where you normally put your soap powder, but I sometimes put it in the pre-wash drawer when my son's kit is particularly dirty to give it a boost before it actually washes